To enact section 5.57 of the Revised Code to designate January 22 as the "Day of Tears."
Summary
SB41 would create a new section of the Revised Code designating January 22 as the “Day of Tears.” The date is tied to the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 abortion decision, and the bill states that the observance is intended to remember and mourn unborn children who have died due to abortion. It also encourages Ohio residents to lower flags to half-staff on that day.
The bill is primarily symbolic and commemorative rather than regulatory. It does not create criminal penalties, funding requirements, or direct administrative duties beyond the suggested flag observance, but it would add a new state-recognized day of remembrance to Ohio law. By codifying the observance in the Revised Code, the bill would formally place the state on record with an anti-abortion message and a specific annual commemoration tied to January 22.
Impact
If enacted, SB41 would amend Ohio law by adding section 5.57 to the Revised Code and establishing a new state designation for January 22. The practical legal effect would be limited, since the bill does not alter abortion law, regulate conduct, or impose enforcement mechanisms; instead, it creates a symbolic observance and encourages half-staff flag displays. Its main impact would be on state ceremonial law, public messaging, and the recognition of an annual observance related to abortion policy.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the bill appears to be introduced in a strongly supportive, pro-life framing by its sponsors and cosponsors. The language is explicitly intended to mourn unborn children and criticize the 1973 abortion ruling, indicating that supporters view the measure as a moral and commemorative statement. No contrary testimony or recorded opposition is included in the available context.
Contention
The likely point of contention is the bill’s abortion-related message and its characterization of the 1973 Supreme Court decision as “erroneous,” which may be viewed by opponents as politically and ideologically charged. Supporters are likely to frame the measure as a memorial and a symbolic recognition of unborn lives lost to abortion, while opponents may object to using state law to endorse a particular anti-abortion viewpoint or to create a state observance centered on a contested issue. Because no committee transcript or vote record is provided, specific objections from legislators or witnesses are not available.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.